Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies for Microgravity Simulation and Space Applications

Micromachines (Basel). 2022 Dec 31;14(1):116. doi: 10.3390/mi14010116.

Abstract

Gravity plays an important role in the development of life on earth. The effect of gravity on living organisms can be investigated by controlling the magnitude of gravity. Most reduced gravity experiments are conducted on the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) in the International Space Station (ISS). However, running experiments in ISS face challenges such as high cost, extreme condition, lack of direct accessibility, and long waiting period. Therefore, researchers have developed various ground-based devices and methods to perform reduced gravity experiments. However, the advantage of space conditions for developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications requires more attention and new research. Advancements in conventional methods and the development of new methods are necessary to fulfil these demands. The advantages of Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices make them an attractive option for simulating microgravity. This paper briefly reviews the advancement of LOC technologies for simulating microgravity in an earth-based laboratory.

Keywords: CubeSat; Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC); acoustic levitation; clinostats; diamagnetic levitation; levitation; microgravity simulation; random position machine (RPM); rotating wall vessel (RWV); space application.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Australian Research Council, grant number DP220100261.